A leader is more than someone who goes I’m better than you because I can tell you what to do. A leader is someone who leads in any way, no matter how big or small. You could be a leader by picking up a piece of litter, because you are influencing and demonstrating through your actions not just your voice.

Know that popular saying, your actions speak louder than your words? Your actions can help bring about change but your words can be - well - just words, at times. You can say you are going to change a nation/school/family or you could actually step up and make some changes!

You may not realise that you are already a leader in some way in the community around you. Being an older student, you’re a leader by being a role model, or perhaps an organiser in an event or activity for the younger children. You could be a leader because the decisions you make have the outcomes of others in mind. Maybe you’re a leader because you have a dream and a passion or you serve in your community.

Leadership isn’t always obvious.

Sometimes we can be scared of ‘leadership’. I know for myself, if you asked me four years ago to lead a bunch of 8th graders one day a week for a few weeks I would have locked myself in a cupboard! As I grew in who I was, I decided leadership wasn’t as scary as I had thought. You might not feel like a born leader, but if you truly want leadership - I say go for it and don’t be afraid of what can hold you back!

It’s that time of year again when leaders at school for 2016 are being finalised. I sat in the principal’s office last week with my fellow candidates, questioning pretty much every decision and word spoken over the past month. Why? Because I was afraid of the outcome, what people might say and how I would even react in leadership. I had people next to me who are born leaders and they are still wondering!

Then I thought - Well, I can at least serve my fellow students! And that’s true leadership!

Maybe you have had everyone in your life doubt your leadership, maybe you have never been able to hold a leadership position at school or you have had people tell you that your opinion and thoughts don’t matter because you don’t wear the badge.

Let me tell you that no one else’s opinions and negativity can stop you. I’ve had people doubt me every time I’ve run for leadership. Their negative comments were another reason I kept fighting to achieve what I wanted. Yes, I may never hold a school leadership position, but it’s not the end of the world. This season is so small compared to the rest of life ahead.

You are still a role model as well as a hope for someone else. Your drive and passion are what someone else truly needs.

If you dream of changing the world go change the world!

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” -John Quincy Adams